Hassett's Coinbase Holdings Raise Conflict-of-Interest Concerns Amid Crypto Policy Shift

Kevin Hassett, former director of the White House National Economic Council under President Trump, held $1 million to $5 million in vested Coinbase shares at the end of 2025. This raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest given his involvement in major cryptocurrency policy changes during that time.

Hassett recused himself from crypto matters, but ethics experts question whether this limited his involvement in key decisions. The Trump administration reversed prior crypto regulations and pushed for new federal frameworks, with Coinbase playing a central role.

The White House maintains Hassett complied with ethics rules, but details on the practical impact of his recusal remain unclear.